Who: Alexander Skarsgård
Where: NYC
Whoever repurposed the term ‘basic’ as an insult should check Alexander Skarsgård’s wardrobe. The Tarzan star proves that staples are a style no-brainer, with a classic knitted polo shirt, versatile black jeans and a Bottega Veneta-esque plaited leather belt. Of course, it helps if it’s all wrapped round the body this training regime built. Back to the drawing board, internet trolls.
Who: Chris Pine
Where: GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2016, London
Red carpets are awash with traditional (read: boring) tuxedos, but Chris Pine proves you don’t need gimmicks to stand out – just a white dinner jacket with an impeccable fit. No sequins, no body paint, no faux-hawks – take note, Frankie Grande.
Who: Mark Ronson
Where: GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2016, London
Who said throwbacks were just for Instagram? Mark Ronson’s nod to his smoky, pop-jazz days nails the lounge lizard look, and proves that velvet isn’t just for 1970s living room suits. Why? The colour sits well with classic black separates – the bread and butter of red carpets.
Who: Tinie Tempah
Where: GQ Men Of The Year Awards 2016, London
On paper, a shimmering, printed two-piece is a red carpet nightmare. On Tinie Tempah, it’s best-dressed list fodder. By dialling down accessories in favour of a statement microprint, then ensuring that the fit is nigh-on perfect, the ‘Pass Out’ star stays on the right side of busy. We can even let the clashing spectacles slide.
Who: Jay-Z
Where: Beyonce’s ‘Soul Train’ 35th Birthday Party, NYC
Let’s dance, let’s shout. Get your body down to the ground (in a billowing paisley shirt, that is). Beyonce’s birthday bash was never going to be a quiet affair and its Soul Train theme inspired a procession of stellar ensembles. Case in point, Jay-Z’s masterclass in grounding statement prints with muted, all-black pieces. Le freak, c’est chic.
Who: Jude Law
Where: Venice Film Festival
Venice Film Festival was a massacre (and we’re not talking about the upcoming bloodbath thriller Brimstone). The perp: Jude Law. The victim: slim fits. The Young Pope star’s boxy silhouette – built from loose, coordinating separates – proves that breathe-in tailoring isn’t the only shape that flatters. RIP spray-on jeans, you shall be missed.
Who: Nick Hendrix
Where: Levi’s V&A Party, London
A dark look. An icy glare. A murder(ed-out) weapon. No, not the latest episode of Midsomer Murders, but the get-up of its newest cast member, Nick Hendrix. The all-black outfit is form-flattering but stands out thanks to a simple, under-layered grey tee. Still monochrome, but without getting too Gothic.
Who: Tom Ford
Where: Nocturnal Animals Premiere, Venice
Is there anything Tom Ford can’t do? A few days before his well-reviewed NYFW show, he was promoting his second well-reviewed stint behind the camera at the Venice Film Festival. Tuxedos on the red carpet are commonplace, but the designer-cum-director stands out with a double-breasted two-piece woven from the finest Italian fabrics/your dreams. Up next, world domination.